Why is 10 different than 30?

Form is everything.  :^)

[Mo0se]

Because our expectations are placed ahead of the execution of the shot. It's natural for us to want to hit what we shoot at. Our minds place fear of missing ahead of confidence in those situations. Through repetition you can train your mind to relax at longer distances.

[TSP]

Why is it harder for even a pro MLB player to throw a baseball into the catcher's mitt from shallow center field than from the pitcher's mound?  Why can a NBA player toss in free throws from the foul line practically with their eyes shut but would struggle to consistently hit from midcourt?  How come even average golfers can routinely knock in 4 foot putts but rarely sink a 60 footer?  

It's not rocket science...the longer the shot the more we tax our natural ability to be accurate and precise.  Another good reason to consider hunting with bare bow and arrow as a short range affair.

[passion for knowledge]

I try to shoot from different distances.

Max about 35 yards in the spot I practice most.

On a good day I can put 7 out of 10 in a 12in target - on a bad day? not saying!

From 10 yards I can usually put 9 out of 10 in that 12in space.

I try to be consistent in my stance and anchor, but some things are about 'feel' and not something you can put your finger on.

[jackdaw]

Mcgroundstalker and a few others NAILED it. Concentration is key in traditional , or really ALL shooting. From 5 to about 17 or 18 yards I can focus like a falcon on its quarry.
HOWEVER..one I reach the 20 yard stripe I have to redouble my efforts to attain similar accuracy. Each day my focus level is different...due to biorhythms, sun spots,price of Chinese milk,...who knows why?? My point is on GREAT days I can shoot the baking soda out of a biscuit at 30 yards.....other days?????? Practice distance shooting, but more importantly practice form and concentration...take up yoga????lol.......as usual....JMO.....Jackdaw.....BTW....TSP.....GREAT ANALOGIES

[jackdaw]

Originally posted by jackdaw:
Mcgroundstalker and a few others NAILED it. Concentration is key in traditional , or really ALL shooting. From 5 to about 17 or 18 yards I can focus like a falcon on its quarry.
HOWEVER..once I reach the 20 yard stripe I have to redouble my efforts to attain similar accuracy. Each day my focus level is different...due to biorhythms, sun spots,price of Chinese milk,...who knows why?? My point is on GREAT days I can shoot the baking soda out of a biscuit at 30 yards.....other days?????? Practice distance shooting, but more importantly practice form and concentration...take up yoga????lol.......as usual....JMO.....Jackdaw.....BTW....TSP.....GREAT ANALOGIES

[Terry Green]

Didn't read all the responses...but the longer the distance the more the magnification of error....

Lack of practice at that distance is also a reason.

Stop shooting at all distances but 30 yards for about a month and see how much better you get.  Shoot at a half pint milk carton and not a gallon jug....you might be surprised after just a couple of weeks.

[slowbowjoe]

Difference in trajectory is an element of it I'm fumbling with as I'm moving out to 30-35 yards lately.